A Roehampton woman who falsely claimed thousands of pounds in benefits has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Felicia Dickson, of Minstead Gardens, pleaded guilty to five charges of deception when she appeared before magistrates in December. She was given a four-month jail sentence suspended for two years.
Wandsworth Council's anti-fraud team mounted the prosecution after receiving conflicting information regarding her personal circumstances.
The team established that Dickson, an office worker, was using a false name and national insurance number to claim £6,683 housing and council tax benefit, even though she was working full-time.
A council spokesman said: "People who try and fiddle housing benefit should be well aware that the checks the council conducts mean it is very certain they will be caught, get a criminal record and are likely to be sent to prison."
December 31, 2001 12:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article